Uber and Chinese self - driving technology company WeRide are set to expand their partnership , bringing services robotaxi to 15 new cities over the next five years, following the launch of their joint service in Abu Dhabi five months earlier.
The expansion also includes European cities, while WeRide's robotaxi service is integrated into the Uber app, allowing users to book through the well-known platform. Their collaboration model is reminiscent of the one Uber has already created with Waymo, where Uber takes over operational operations and fleet management, while the AV (autonomous vehicle technology) company focuses on developing autonomous driving technology.
See also: Uber and Volkswagen collaborate on robotaxi service in the US
Uber and WeRide are already active in Abu Dhabi, and will soon expand to Dubai, through a partnership with local transportation provider Tawasul Transport. The upcoming 15 cities are located outside of China and the United States, aiming to penetrate international markets.
Uber has struck more than 15 partnerships with AV technology companies in the past two years, covering areas such as autonomous passenger transportation, deliveries and trucking. It recently announced deals with companies such as May Mobility and China's Momenta.
See also: Tesla: Robotaxi service with fully autonomous vehicles in Texas
Uber's most well-known and commercially active partnership in the US is with Waymo, which already operates in Austin and is soon expanding to Atlanta.
Such moves underscore the importance of partnerships in the development and implementation of innovative technologies. By combining their expertise, these companies can accelerate progress toward a safer, more efficient transportation system that benefits both consumers and the environment.
See also: Uber and WeRide launch robotaxi service in Abu Dhabi
Several companies offer robotaxi services these days. It will be interesting to see how this technology develops and becomes integrated into our daily lives in the coming years. Rather than being limited to city centers, robotaxi services could potentially expand to suburban and rural areas, providing even greater accessibility for passengers. This could lead to a shift away from personal car ownership towards the use of autonomous vehicles as the primary means of transportation.
Source: techcrunch.com
